Phil Smartt Will Be An Excellent District 7 Representative - And Response (9)

Thursday, May 1, 2014

Phil Smartt would be an excellent representative as County Commissioner District 7. I have observed Mr. Smartt's personal and professional accomplishments and have been tremendously impressed with his tenacity to succeed. He is faith based in his approach while also listening to the opinions that surround him. The balance in his life between his faith, family, business and community have positioned him well to understand and assimilate the issues at hand and represent the people of District 7.

He has instilled great work ethic throughout his children and they in turn have also made many contributions to their respective communities. It is evident in the many unselfish deeds that the Smartt family has been involved that illustrates the true long term vision and compassion for education and rights of our citizens that makes my decision of support so easy. So many times you do not need to look any further than a persons children and their children's accomplishments to understand the motives and depth of their beliefs for the betterment of community above self.

Support Phil Smartt and he will support the positive development of District 7.

I encourage every resident of District 7 to look into the man, his unselfish history and his accomplishments in order to understand his motivation. I believe you will find his purpose is not for self-promotion but for the promotion and betterment of the people he wishes to represent.

Jeff Lett

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A wise man once said, “your community is only as good as it’s education.” I believe this to be true and I believe that my father, Phil Smartt, understands the truth of this statement. Dad raised his family in the very district that he is running for County Commissioner. His 6 children have all attended public schools and have all gone to college. Education has always been Dad’s priority in his own home and I know that it will be his priority as a County Commissioner. If success is measured by how well your children have turned out, then he certainly deserves an A+!! He and my Mom have been married for almost 50 years and they understand the importance of an education! It is evident just how far reaching this legacy of education has been for his family as my Mom and Dad witness their grandchildren going away to college and graduating. Something that Dad has not discussed in detail during this campaign are the 20+ scholarships that are provided each year to deserving students going to college. He started this scholarship program here in Chattanooga so that others would have the same opportunity that he did.

My father’s example is all you need to know about how well he will serve Hamilton County. He lives a life devoted to God, family and country. He will be able to devote his full attention to this job as he is retired. His experience as chairman of the WWTA, Chairman of the Hamilton County School Board, and numerous civic organizations including the Boy Scouts of America are proof that he is undeniably the best candidate. All four of his sons achieved the rank of Eagle Scout and he currently has five grandchildren who have received this rank as well. One grandchild was even named, “Boy Scout of the Year”, by the American Legion.

I would hope that when you cast your vote on May 6th it will be a vote for my Dad, Phil Smartt.

Respectfully,
Deseret Ward

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Phil Smartt is the best choice for County Commissioner, District 7. I have known Phil and his wonderful family most of my life, and know him to be a man of integrity and solid principles. He has a gift for sifting through the trivial and focusing on those things which are most important. He is concerned about people and loves his community.

He is someone who gets things done. I have observed him in leadership roles over the years and know him to be a strong leader. He is fair, hardworking, passionate about doing what is right, decisive, and a
great motivator of people. As I consider all the issues we face as a community, I want Phil Smartt, with vision, experience, and integrity, on our County Commission.

Dan Wolfe
Apison

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I am writing to express my strong endorsement of Phil Smartt for the Hamilton County Commission, District 7. I have known Phil for many years, and he is a man of honor and integrity. He is active in the Rotary Club of Chattanooga Hamilton Place, and he has worked through the Rotary Club to improve the lives of people in the East Brainerd community. Phil has earned a reputation as a hard-working and reliable individual who strives to excel. Phil has been a great asset to our community, and his cheerfulness and enthusiasm have been remarkable. I urge all voters of District 7 to vote for Phil Smartt for the Hamilton County Commission on May 6!

Brian C. Frye

East Brainerd

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It takes courage to step into the arena and offer yourself for public service. Even more courage is exhibited when one has been there and fought the battles before yet enters again knowing that the sharpest barbs will come not from those who might oppose his actions while performing the duties of that office one elected, but from the slings and arrows of those seeking to block his opportunity to serve.

Phil Smartt is to be commended for his willingness to step forth and become a target for those opposing his service. His religious faith is questioned, his being appointed rather than elected even though at the time these positions were never elected but instead appointed by the County Commissioners. His knowledge of the position he is seeking is questioned even though he was elevated to Chairman by his peers in both positions he previously held.

Phil Smartt has proven his successful business building ability, the confidence his peers expressed in his ability to lead and his Church's recognition of his dedication by sending him abroad as their spokesman. Now he is willing to step forth and offer the experience he has gleaned from the past arenas. When facing the slings and arrows that takes dedication and a spirit of humility.

Bobby Wood

Harrison

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As a retired school teacher, I urge your support for Phil Smartt. He was against annexation and as a former chairmen of the Hamilton County School Board, he was a great teacher advocate. He supports all people regardless of their religion, race and gender. He sticks to the issues. Phil is a man of principle and integrity.

Dena Williams

* * *

As a District 7 resident I have a vested interest in our next county commissioner. In my research of the current candidates, one name stands out as the “right person” for the position--Phil Smartt. Phil is a true Republican with a long history of conservative views and ideals. He opposes any increase in taxes and believes we can live within our means with great support of education, public safety, and growing our economy through policies that attract businesses to the District.

Phil Smartt ran a successful insurance agency for 38 years and will bring that business sense and direction to District 7. He has also shown great public servitude and leadership as a member of the Board of Education and serving for 10 years on the Waste Water Treatment board. These are two very important positions that support all residents of the county. He has also held a great number of influential public service positions as outlined on his web page.

Phil Smartt is also a great family man, married to Gloria for 48 years, has six children and 28 grandchildren. Many of his family members are helping with his campaign and it’s been a rewarding experience to see their participation.

It’s been a pleasure working on Phil’s campaign. We knocked on doors, discussed the important issues with District 7 residents and let voters know about the political and philosophical differences in the candidates. One of those major differences is Phil's opposition to the $100,000 discretionary fund. Allowing one person to control that much taxpayer money could lead to corruption or buying of votes. Tax payers should decide where their money is spent.

If you haven't already, please vote May 6, 2014 for Phil Smartt, District 7 County Commission. I did!

Louis R. Zarzour

* * *

As a home owner in the East Brainerd, District 7 area, I am concerned about home values, quality education, improvement in our current infrastructure, safety, and industry growth. Having attended a debate among the three leading candidates, I was most favorably impressed with Phil's knowledge and depth of all the issues, his past experience on the school board, a highly successful business owner, and a man of faith and family. I believe of the candidates vying for District 7 County Commissioner, Phil is the candidate that comes closest to addressing my concerns as a home owner and resident in district 7. Having known Phil and his wife Gloria for many years I can honestly say they are of the utmost character, and are honest, hard working individuals who have raised a wonderful family. Phil is a natural leader, with an innate ability to inspire the best out of individuals in achieving their goals.

Additionally, he is the only candidate that is against the $100K discretionary fund that each commissioner gets annually. With nine commissioners in the county, this is $900K annually that is taken out of the general fund to be used for "pet projects" and "earmarks" with virtually no oversight or accountability. The funds can certainly be spent in a more transparent and effective manner, and Phil is the only candidate committed to eliminate the discretionary fund.

I wholeheartedly support Phil Smartt and his efforts to become the next County Commissioner representing District Seven. Please express your support for Phil by voting on May 6 in the primary election.

Jerry L. Sink

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I am a combat veteran of the Gulf War in Iraq, and I am now raising my family and operating a business here in Chattanooga. I am grateful for all that America represents and we truly live in a wonderful community. Before now I have not been overly involved in local politics, however, during this campaign season I decided to pay more attention to the message of the various candidates, and to thoroughly examine their credentials.

I live in District 7 and I have taken a look at all five candidates for the office of county commissioner in District 7. While four of the five seem to have something positive to offer, it has become apparent to me that only one of them has the experience, the courage and a proven track record of being a leader in civic life, church life, business and professional life, and family life.

In the war I was in an armored division and was the driver of a tank. Every day I put my life in the hands of my captain who necessarily and repeatedly led us into harm's way. My simple observation is this, of all those running for District 7 commissioner, Phil Smartt is the only one I have seen do the things, and heard say the things that would cause me to trust him in battle.

Charles Clemons
District 7 Resident
Chattanooga

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Early voting has ended and we are now ready for Voting day on Tuesday, May 6. When we look at the candidates for county commissioner in District 7, we must look at each candidate's background. The one who stand out is Phil Smartt.

As a former member of the School Board, the fact that his kids attended public schools, his wife Gloria a retired teacher, enables him to better understand the needs of our public schools. Presently his grandkids attend public schools.

Another point in his favor is his experience in dealing with leaders at all levels of government. Both in Southeastern Europe and with the Hamilton County Waste Water Treatment Authority.

We have known Phil since his days on the Board of Education and have know him the be great husband and family man who has lead by example.

As stated, Phil Smartt is the most qualified candidate for commissioner District 7.

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